Patricia Buckley Moss Has Passed Away At 91

Patricia Buckley Moss, known profoundly as P. Buckley Moss, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 20, 1933, in Staten Island, New York, Moss devoted her life to capturing the serene essence of rural America and the simplicity of the Amish community through her distinctive folk art.

A graduate of Washington Irving High School for the Fine Arts and Cooper Union, Moss’s unique artistic vision earned her esteemed recognition in galleries far and wide. Her life’s canvas was painted with numerous accolades, including being named the 1976 American Mother Artist of the Year and receiving first place at the National Arts & Crafts Exhibit in Washington, D.C., in the same year.

In 1984, both the House and Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia honored her with a commendation, reflecting the indelible impact of her work on the cultural tapestry of the state. Moss’s exceptional contributions to arts and education were further celebrated when the Learning Disabilities Association recognized her as the Outstanding Dyslexic Calendar Person in 1995, and shortly thereafter, she was dubbed the Kermezaar Keynote Artist at the October Arts Festival in El Paso, Texas.

A testament to her enduring legacy, Virginia Tech bestowed the ultimate accolade in 2013, naming a new Arts Center in her honor. Moss’s artistic journey was not solely a reflection of her talent but also an unyielding narrative of triumph over personal challenges.

Today, we remember P. Buckley Moss not only as an artist whose brushstrokes painted the tranquil beauty of rural life but also as a beacon of inspiration. Her life’s work continues to warm the hearts of many, a legend graced with honors, now a cherished memory. She leaves behind not just art, but a legacy of perseverance and beauty.